Farmers and ranchers often find themselves defending the industry, especially when it comes to cattle’s impact on environmental sustainability. Air quality specialists are taking a closer look at the farm and say one area separates cow emissions from the rest.
“Methane from livestock is not just produced, it’s also destroyed at almost the same rate,” said renowned livestock researcher Frank Mitloehner. “And this is something that is not currently being appreciated in public policy or in the public discussion of livestock’s impact on the environment.”
Mitloehner also explained why he believes the impact of methane on the climate is overstated.
“Methane has a lifespan of 10 years, and CO2 has a lifespan of 1,000 years,” Mitloehner said. “So, methane that’s in the atmosphere is not just produced, it’s also destroyed. And that’s why the lifespan of methane is only 10 years.”
As far as the cattle producers go, he says they are always doing their part to lessen the impact on the environment.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
December 22, 2025 10:10 AM
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Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
December 19, 2025 01:05 PM
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Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
December 19, 2025 12:50 PM
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The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
December 19, 2025 11:49 AM
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Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.
December 16, 2025 12:44 PM
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Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
December 16, 2025 11:54 AM
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